Blue Jays Sign 35-Year-Old Former All-Star To Minor League Deal

The Toronto Blue Jays are giving a former All-Star another shot at the big leagues after a disastrous 2025 season.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Toronto Blue Jays have signed 35-year-old former All-Star reliever Joe Mantiply to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Mantiply spent the majority of the past six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but struggled with a 15.83 ERA in just 9 2/3 innings pitched last season before finishing the year in Toronto's farm system.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays are looking to bolster their bullpen this offseason, and Mantiply provides an opportunity to add a veteran left-handed reliever who has had success in the past. If Mantiply can return to form, he could earn a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen and provide a needed left-handed option.

The details

The Blue Jays signed Mantiply to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Though Mantiply struggled last season, he is only one year removed from posting a 3.92 ERA in 75 appearances for the Diamondbacks. Mantiply spent the end of the 2025 season in Toronto's farm system, making 14 appearances with the Buffalo Bisons in triple-A.

  • Mantiply spent the majority of the past six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  • In 2025, Mantiply had a 15.83 ERA in just 9 2/3 innings pitched for the Diamondbacks.
  • Mantiply finished the 2025 season in Toronto's farm system, making 14 appearances with the Buffalo Bisons in triple-A.

The players

Joe Mantiply

A 35-year-old former All-Star reliever who spent the majority of the past six seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Jeff Hoffman

A Blue Jays pitcher who the team hopes can have a rebound season after a World Series flop.

Max Scherzer

A 41-year-old pitcher who the Blue Jays brought back on a one-year deal, proving that age is not much of a factor to them this spring.

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What’s next

Mantiply will have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Blue Jays' bullpen during spring training.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays are willing to take a chance on veteran players, like Mantiply and Scherzer, in an effort to improve their roster and bullpen. If Mantiply can regain his form from 2024, he could provide a valuable left-handed option out of the bullpen for the Blue Jays.